Criminal Intent: A Steamy Plus-Size Motorcycle Club Romance Novella

by Eve Thorne

Criminal defense attorney Vivian Sinclair never breaks her rules—until motorcycle enforcer Thorne Kingsley brings her dangerous evidence and an attraction she can't deny.

Vivian has built her career representing society's outliers while maintaining strict professional boundaries. Curvy and confident in the courtroom, she's used to being underestimated—and proving everyone wrong. But when Thorne walks into her office with evidence of a trafficking operation implicating her current clients, her carefully constructed world begins to crumble.

His cool strategic mind and fierce protective streak make him irresistible in all the wrong ways—the exact type of dangerous man she's sworn to keep at arm's length. But as threats mount from both ruthless criminals and dirty cops, Vivian finds herself pulled into Thorne's shadowy world where risks are calculated and justice comes at the edge of a knife.

When her office is ransacked and fabricated charges threaten her career, Vivian has no choice but to accept Thorne's protection. Forced into hiding together, professional lines dissolve into explosive passion as Thorne shows her that her curves are exactly what he's always wanted. Everything she thought she knew about herself and the dangerous man who appreciates every inch of her body is challenged.

Their relationship deepens amid escalating danger

• Her carefully built legal reputation is systematically destroyed
• Corrupt officials fabricate charges to silence her
• Thorne's informant is murdered as a warning
• Their safe house becomes a battleground
• The mysterious Redline Security firm reveals connections to a larger conspiracy

"They destroyed everything I built," she whispers. "My office, my reputation, my life. Everything except you."

"Then we build something new," he promises, his hands worshipping every curve. "Together."

As the danger closes in from all sides, Vivian must choose between her ethical safety net and trusting a man whose past makes him both her greatest asset and most dangerous liability.

Some boundaries are meant to be crossed. Some rules are meant to be broken. And sometimes, the most dangerous path is the only way to true justice—and unexpected love.

CRIMINAL INTENT is the first book in the Redline Security series, featuring a brilliant plus-size attorney and the dangerous enforcer who becomes her protector, partner, and greatest temptation. This steamy insta-love romantic suspense novella delivers professional tension, protective alpha heat, body-positive romance, and a guaranteed HEA.

Each book in the Redline Security Series features a different plus-size heroine and can be read as a standalone, though the conspiracy deepens with each installment.

Genres: Suspense, Romance

193 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2025

Reviews

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Thorne walks through her door, big changes come for Vivian.

Steamy little Novella that definitely has more spice than plot.

Everything plot related seems to be implied and happens in the background. And then they enjoy some fun time together to cope.

Instalove. Bad ass fmc and mmc. Security firm AND motorcycle club.

Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to arc read this novella

[Dru · Rating 5 out of 5]

Criminal Intent by Eve Thorne is a fast-paced MC romance! 🏍️💥

Thorne Kingsley is the MC’s Enforcer and seeks help from criminal defense attorney Vivian Sinclair in a case involving human trafficking. She’s the only one willing to stand up for the victims in a city riddled with corruption.
Of course, Thorne is ready to protect the plus-sized attorney—and together they must face the danger coming for them. 🔥⚖️

I loved this book and the thrilling story! If I had to point out something negative, it would be that it’s too short—I would’ve loved at least 50 more pages! 😩📖💕.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Criminal Intent is a steamy novella that's fast paced, spicy, and suspenseful. It is action-packed, has mafia vibes that will take you on a wild ride with strong, confident characters with sizzling chemistry.
Vivian is a curvy lawyer and Thorne is an enforcer in an MC. They are both badass characters who experience an insta-love connection. I would not call this novel an MC novel in any way, it's just a character background.
The storyline and plot are just pure genius, which keeps you wanting more and continues into novel two. It has the right amount of humour, and small background knowledge of each character (which is all you really need) to bring everything together. This is Eve's first novel, and I have to say, she hit the mark 100%. I did do a beta read, arc read, buy an ebook version and I will buy a paperback copy (if there will be one cause I need a paperback copy). And I will say, she is a fantastic author who hit every mark straight off the back which is impressive for a first time author regardless of novella or not. I look forward to the rest of the series with great anticipation and excitement.

[Storm In A Teacup · Rating 4 out of 5]

I officially have a new book boyfriend, and his name is Thorne Kingley—swoon-worthy, dangerous, and utterly impossible to resist. From the moment he stepped onto the page, I was hooked.

This book is a wild ride from start to finish, packed with heart pounding action, sizzling chemistry, and a storyline that keeps you turning pages way past bedtime. The sexual tension between Thorne and Vivian practically crackles off the pages, and when these two finally collide? Fireworks. Literal fireworks.

Vivian is everything I love in a heroine, strong, confident, and unafraid to speak her mind. She’s a curvy queen who stands her ground and fights for what’s right, refusing to be pushed her around even when her life is on the line. Together, they are pure magic. Their banter, their battles, and their undeniable pull toward each other make for a romance that feels both electric and real.

If you're looking for a story with high stakes, fierce characters, a fast burn, and a romance that will leave you breathless, this is the book for you. Thorne and Vivian have stolen my heart, and honestly? I’m not even mad about it.

Highly recommend adding this to your TBR. Just be prepared to fall a little (or a lot) in love.

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick read, novella type of read, then this is for you.
Tropes:
spice
Lawyer
suspense
thriller
Mafia romance girlies, what else do I need to do to convince you to read this novella?

[Jessika S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She’s a defense attorney with zero time for distractions. He’s a biker with classified secrets and a lethal focus. Together? They’re explosive."

This book is fast-paced and full of chemistry and the chaos Vivian and Thorne are thrown into is more than either of them expected. The corruption, the risks, and the challenges that are thrown their way they hit head-on, together. I couldn't put this book down, It is a perfect mix of romance and and criminal justice.

"You keep me honest, I keep you safe. That's what makes us work." "Balance."

-our differences aren't weaknesses, they're what makes us stronger together.-

🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Criminal chaos and courtroom tension
🔥 And a romance neither of them saw coming

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly one of my fave MC romances 😍
I had the honour of ARC reading this book and I was not disappointed 🙌🏻
It was steamy, well written and super enticing 🥰
Would absolutely recommend was a great read!!

[Tesla Mcelhaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a book you will not want to put down. The attraction alone for me was what had me sucked in. Can’t wait to read more!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Criminal Intent by Eve Thorne is the kind of book that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. From the very first page, the chemistry between Evan—the rough-around-the-edges biker—and the brilliant, principled lawyer is electric. Thrown together by a dangerous mission to bring down a high-level child trafficking ring tied to corrupt government forces, their partnership is explosive in more ways than one.

The stakes are sky-high: lives are on the line, careers are lost, and trust becomes the most valuable currency. Despite the lawyer losing her job, she never backs down. The courtroom tension, the raw emotional fallout, and the steamy, well-written scenes all blend seamlessly into a story that’s both powerful and passionate.

This isn’t just a spicy romance—it’s a battle for justice that will have your heart racing and your jaw dropping. Eve Thorne balances grit, heart, and heat like a pro. The love story is hard-earned, and the ending? Absolutely worth every page.

I can’t recommend this book enough. If you’re into biker romance, legal thrillers, and high-stakes plots with real emotional payoff—grab this one the second it drops.

[Shay Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Tell me you don’t feel it.”
“I can’t.”
“Then tell me you don’t want to find out where this goes.”
She’s quiet for a long moment. When she speaks, her voice is barely above a whisper. “I can’t tell you that either.”

Criminal Intent is such a fun read. if you're in the mood for a fast paced, insta-love, motorcycle riding mmc and a plus sized fmc, look no further.

[Louise Smalley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorne Kingsley walks in to ms Sinclair work place his voice deep and rough the kind that makes you pay attention and this book got me paying attention and wondering what’s next iv got to say OMG this book will get you reading more and please check for triggers and this lustrous read is worth it I won’t give off spoilers because honestly it doesn’t need any

[Tiffany Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book! I finished it in one day. This a STEAMY motorcycle / plus size romance. I love how possessive the main character is and I like that the female main character is not helpless. She is a strong, smart woman. The plot had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

[Kassie Bates · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Every client who sits at this desk will know their lawyer gets bent over and f*cked like my own perfect sl*t”

Okay daddy Thorne

[tessa richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this spicy fast paced book. full of action and heat. possessive mmc and bad*ss fmc... like super bad*ss. absolutely amazing for a quick read.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian and Thorne are about to take you on a RIDE.

Viv is a lawyer who wants to do the right thing and when Thorne comes into her office.. she wants to do more than just 'the right thing.' This novella is by far one of the best I've read this year. It has suspense, thriller, mafia/cartel feels, spicy scenes and a happy ever after that will have you rooting for these main characters once they get through all of the stuff that gets thrown at them in Criminal Intent.

If you're looking for a short read with character development through the roof and chemistry between your MCs that's undeniable, then pick up Criminal Intent.

Thank you to The House of King Publishing and the author for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[K K Jones Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve Thorne's book Criminal Intent, is book one in the Redline Security series.

Ms. Thorne delivers fast action with the right amount of spice to really peak a readers interest, but not be over the top, even though the story does tend to push everything at a very fast rate, much like Flora Ferrari, who also does insta-love stories.

The storyline grabs a readers attention immediately within the first page. By the third page, the reader is hooked and anxiously wanting to know what decisions are going to be made, and by the end of the first chapter the reader is desperately looking at the clock to make sure there is still enough time to get at least one hours sleep before they have to get up the next day for work.

The story itself closes at the end of the book, however the story arc continues well after in the following books of the series, so to really understand the entire storyline, readers will need to keep reading the series. Though given how much of a treat book one is, waiting for the following books might be a little tough.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Criminal Intent is Book 1 of the Redline Security series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, curvy plus-size girl gets her biker romantic suspense novella. Vivian is a smart, sassy, and curvy attorney known for fighting for what's right. Thorne is a burly, hunky, ex-military man turned enforcer for a local motorcycle club. When he approaches Vivian with evidence of a human trafficking operation, he asks her to take the case knowing she will fight for justice. She agrees, but finds herself in danger. Thorne agrees to protect her and it's clear they are both attracted to each other. Their chemistry was insane and we ended on a happy note. This was an enjoyable read. I would have liked a bit more detail on the crimes but the spice factor was hot. I look forward to more books in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in Redline Security series. Eve Thorne is a new author to me. I always enjoy a strong plus size FMC who is unapologetic of who she is. Vivian a smart fierce lawyer not afraid to fight for the ones other lawyers walk away from. Thorne is an enforcer in a motorcycle club and ex military. Thorne brings a human trafficking case to Vivian which puts both their lives in danger. There is some suspense in the story. The only con was I felt it was repetitive at times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not so much an MC Romance book as advertised, but a Romantic Suspense story. I’m not a big fan of lawyer romantic suspense, which is what this is, but it was entertaining with a lot of plot. The plot was a little overpowering at times, to the detriment of the characters, but generally this was a pretty solid book. Trigger warnings at beginning of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RuchelleB · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read, fast-paced and with fun banter between the two main characters. I just wish there was a bit more meat to the story, but other than that, I would read this again, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series when it comes out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book as a suggestion on booksprout and was pleasantly surprised and loved it. Short Easy Read, but you totally learn the characters and root for them.
While the story touches on trafficking and the dangers of that world...it much more about Thorne and Vivian and their love story. Look forward to reading more in this series!.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

📚ARC READ📚

This book had me on the edge of my seat. I was sucked in pretty quickly. The dynamic between the Mcs was great. They work well together and also have great chemistry. The spice was spicing throughout the entire story. I enjoyed That it was a quick read and held my attention. I’d definitely add this to your TBR if you are looking for suspense, some motorcycle club and fighting crimes no matter what.

[Althea Bianca Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the characters chemistry together. Even the FML have reserved at least she let him in her life.

this all I can say but the book is SO EFFING GOOD.

[Tesia Hairston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good I love mc romance with a little plus sized action. It's fun to read something like this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BecReadReview · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new author to me, Eve delivers a sexy, steamy insta-love story featuring a smart, strong heroine and an irresistibly protective, alpha biker. The intense attraction between them ignites instantly, all while an intriguing criminal case unfolds. Between dodging attacks and taking down the bad guys, there’s plenty of sheet-burning passion to keep the heat high. A fast-paced, entertaining read that’s impossible to put down.